Snow removal system

ABSTRACT

A snow removal system includes a tool having a blade and a boom. The boom includes a first end portion connected to the blade and a second end portion configured to be releasably, pivotally mounted to a loader arm of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

In colder climates, building owners frequently experience a buildup of snow on their roofs. In some instances, ice dams form on a lower edge of a roof when surface temperatures at the lower roof edge are significantly lower than surface temperatures at upper portions of the roof. In particular, snow on upper portions of the roof melts into water and runs down the roof. Upon reaching an unmelted or frozen bank of snow at the colder lower edge of the roof, the water backs up and can seep between shingles and leak into the structure below the roof. Moreover, even when seepage between shingles is not an issue, such as in metal-roofed storage buildings or agricultural barns, the growing weight of the snow and ice on the roof can jeopardize the structural integrity of the building. Accordingly, ice dams and/or excessive snow build-up can cause considerable damage to the roof and structure of a home or storage building.

While proper insulation and ventilation in the roof structure helps to prevent ice dams, owners are also advised to remove the snow from the roof. Such preventive steps are wise because once an ice dam has formed, professional help is typically necessary to remove the ice dam, which is commonly followed by costly structural repairs.

Among other do-it-yourself remedies to prevent ice dams or to alleviate large volumes of snow from accumulating on a roof, a snow rake is sometimes used to remove snow from the roof. In use, a homeowner or worker stands on the ground and uses a long handled rake to pull snow off the roof. However, this task is physically demanding and does not adequately enable the worker to safely access the roof on the upper levels of a house. In some instances, footing can be treacherous below the area in which the snow rake is to be used. Alternatively, standing on the roof to remove snow or ice can be even more dangerous. Accordingly, when addressing an ice dam and/or removing snow from a roof, a large amount of painstaking labor occurs under difficult conditions. These conventional techniques also are unable to address the larger volumes of snow and/or ice that accumulate on bigger storage buildings and/or barns. In these situations, the manual technique of using a hand-held snow rake is simply inadequate to meet the demands.

Accordingly, conventional techniques of removing snow from a roof leave much to be desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a snow removal system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use on a roof of a building.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a snow removal system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, during initial engagement with the roof.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a snow removal system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, during removal of snow from the roof.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view schematically illustrating a snow rake and boom assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a portion of a boom for supporting a snow rake, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a partial side view of a mounting portion of a snow rake and boom assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a boom in a first position relative to a mount.

FIG. 6B is a partial side view of a mounting portion of a snow rake and boom assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a boom in a second position relative to a mount.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of a mounting portion of a snow rake and boom assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rake portion of a snow rake and boom assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments of the present disclosure that may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a snow removal system that enables mechanized removal of snow from a roof without placing undue stress on the roof. In one embodiment, a snow removal system includes a snow removal tool, such as a snow rake, mounted on an end portion of a loader arm of self-propelled vehicle. Upon positioning the vehicle adjacent a building and maneuvering the loader arm, the snow rake is positioned for a raking movement along a roof of the building. In one embodiment, the snow rake includes a blade portion supported by a boom and an end of the boom is pivotally movable relative to the end portion of the loader arm. This pivotal connection enables the snow rake to rest on the roof without the loader arm exerting any significant forces on the roof beyond the gravitational forces acting on the snow rake. In other words, other than the weight of the snow rake resting on the roof, the action of the snow removal system exerts no substantial force on the roof. Accordingly, upon moving the vehicle and/or maneuvering the loader arm relative to the vehicle, the snow rake is pulled downward along the roof to remove snow from the roof without placing unnecessary stress on the roof.

These embodiments, and additional embodiments, are described in detail in association with FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 1 is a diagram 10 schematically illustrating a system and method of removing snow from a roof, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, a snow removal system 20 includes a self-propelled vehicle 30 having a loader aim assembly 41 for supporting and maneuvering a snow removal tool 50. In general terms, vehicle 30 is positioned near a building 80 and loader arm assembly 41 is manipulated to position snow removal tool 50 for removing snow (S) from roof 82.

In some instances, the building 80 is a home while in other instances, building 80 is an agricultural barn, a storage building, or other large structure having a sloped roof 82. The roof 82 may be a shingled roof or a non-shingled roof, such as a metal sheet structure. In other instances, building 80 has a flat roof 82.

In one embodiment, self-propelled vehicle 30 comprises a wheeled loader vehicle, as shown in FIG. 1, including a frame 31 having a front end 32, back end 34, and support 36. As well known to those skilled in the art, such self-propelled vehicles include a drive mechanism including an engine, transmission, control mechanisms, etc. which are not shown for illustrative clarity.

As further shown in FIG. 1, loader arm assembly 41 defines a first boom assembly including a first elongate link 38 and second elongate link 39 with second link 39 supporting a mounting plate 42. First elongate link 38 is pivotally mounted to base support 36 via pivot mechanism 44A while second link 39 is pivotally connected to, and movable relative to, first link 39 via pivot mechanism 44B. Mounting plate 42 is pivotally connected to, and movable relative to, second link 38 via pivot mechanism 44C. While not shown for illustrative clarity, hydraulically controlled lift mechanisms are provided to control the rotational position of the respective links 38, 39 relative to each other and control the rotational position of mounting plate 42 relative to link 39. In this way, the rotational position of the respective links 38, 39 and mounting plate 42 relative to each other is positively controlled to enable changing or maintaining a position (e.g. angular orientation) of one or more of links 38, 39 and plate 42. In one aspect, the rotational movement of the respective links relative to each other is represented by directional arrows A, B, and C at pivot mechanisms 44A, 44B, and 44C, respectively.

As further shown in FIG. 1, snow removal tool 50 is supported by loader arm assembly 41 and comprises a second boom assembly that includes a boom 51 supporting a blade 52. In one aspect, blade 52 extends at an angle relative to boom 51 to orient the blade 52 to scrape snow from roof 82.

In one embodiment, boom 51 includes a first boom segment 60 and second boom segment 66 in which second boom segment 66 is selectively longitudinally movable into different positions relative to first boom segment 60. In this way, boom 51 has a selectively variable length to accommodate reaching roofs of different heights and/or different orientations. In one aspect, first boom segment 60 defines an elongate structure including a first end 62 and a second end 64 with second end 64 defining a sleeve portion 65, as shown in FIG. 1. Second boom segment 66 defines an elongate structure including a first end 68 and a second end 70 with first end 68 defining a sleeve 72 and second end 70 supporting blade 52. In one aspect, second boom segment 66 is selectively slidably, longitudinally movable relative first boom segment 60 by virtue of sleeve 72 being slidably movable over first boom segment 60 and sleeve 65 being slidably movable over second boom segment 66. With this arrangement, the respective sleeves 65 and 72 maintain the respective first and second boom segments in a coupled relationship to function as a single boom structure that supports blade 52. The overall length of the boom 51 is set via fasteners (e.g. pins) that fix the position of second boom segment 66 relative to first boom segment 60, as later further described in association with FIG. 4.

In other embodiments, boom 51 comprises a single arm or link having a non-adjustable length.

With further reference to FIG. 1, boom 51 is connected to and supported by a distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41. In particular, via pivotal connection 56, the first end 62 of first boom segment 60 is pivotally mounted relative to mount plate 42 at distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41. In general terms, various forms of mounting can be used between first end 62 of boom 51 and distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41 provided that loader arm assembly 41 supports boom 51 elevationally and the type of mounting incorporates a pivotal connection 56 or an equivalent structure.

In one embodiment, via frame portion 54 at the first end 62 of first boom segment 60, boom 51 is pivotally connected directly to the mount plate 42 at distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41, as shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the pivotal connection 56 is located at an upper portion of frame portion 54 and an upper portion of mount plate 42 such that frame portion 54 and mount plate 42 are pivotally movable relative to each other in a hinged relationship. As shown in FIG. 1, due to gravitational forces acting on boom 51 and with pivot connection 56 constraining the movement of boom 51 relative to mount plate 42, the frame portion 54 (at end 62 of first boom segment 60) releasably engages the mount plate 42 at distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41.

Other pivotal mounting arrangements between a boom of a snow removal tool and a loader arm assembly are later described in association with FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7.

As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle 30 and loader arm assembly 41 have been further maneuvered to position boom 51 relative to roof 82 so that blade 52 is positioned for scraping or pulling snow (S) off roof 82. In this position, a longitudinal axis of boom 51 is aligned to be generally parallel to roof 82 so that upon pulling boom 51 generally downward along roof 82, the blade 51 will scrape or pull the snow off roof 82. In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 2, first end 62 of first boom segment 60 (via frame portion 54) of boom 51 remains supported via releasable engagement against mount plate 42 of loader arm assembly 41.

With the blade 52 and boom 51 positioned as shown in FIG. 2, an operator manipulates loader arm assembly 41 and/or vehicle 30 to cause boom 51, and therefore, blade 52 to move downwardly along roof 82 to remove snow S. To do so, the operator manipulates the control system of vehicle 30 and loader arm assembly 41 to cause distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41 to pull boom 51 in a generally longitudinal direction in which longitudinal axis of boom 51 is maintained generally parallel to roof 82. This translational motion of boom 51 and blade 52 can be accomplished via maneuvering one or more links 38, 39, via tilting of mount plate 42, and/or via moving vehicle 30 away from building 80, as represented via directional arrow D.

However, with gravitational forces acting on boom 51 and with snow (S) resisting the movement of blade 52, upon the pulling movement of distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41 (represented by directional arrow P) the pivotal connection 56 enables mount plate 42 to pivot away from frame portion 54 at first end 62 of boom 51, as shown in FIG. 3. Moreover, even while this pivoting action occurs, further translation of distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41 away from building 80 results in blade 52 continuing to move along roof 82 with boom 51 extending generally parallel to roof 82. Accordingly, in addition to providing a pivoting capability, the pivotal connection 56 maintains continuity between boom 51 and loader arm assembly 41 to maintain pulling control of the blade 52 and boom 51 downward along roof 82. Because the loader arm assembly 41 no longer directly supports boom 51 elevationally (e.g. via contact between boom 51 and mount plate 42 as in FIGS. 1-2), the loader arm assembly 41 does not exert any significant downward force on roof 82 through blade 52 even though the loader arm assembly 41 pulls blade 52.

To complete a path of removing snow S off roof 82, the operator continues to maneuver the distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41 and/or vehicle 30 away from building 80 to pull blade 52 down roof 82 until the path is substantially clear of snow. In one embodiment, upon blade 52 passing beyond the lower edge of roof 82, the first end 62 of boom 51 pivots back into releasable contact with mount plate 42 at distal end 42 of loader arm assembly 41. Next, a position of the loader arm assembly 41 and/or vehicle 30 is manipulated to align blade 52 and boom 51 for removing more snow from roof 82.

In some embodiments, just prior to blade 52 reaching a lower edge 83 of roof 82, the operator maneuvers the distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41 (such as via tilting mount plate 42) to cause mount plate 42 to re-engage frame portion 54 (at first end 62 of first boom segment 60 of boom 51) and thereby support and control the elevational position of boom 51. In other words, rather than simply letting the blade 52 drop off edge 83 of roof 82 due to gravitational forces, the loader arm assembly 41 is manipulated to reassert direct control over the elevational position of boom 51 prior to removing blade 52 from roof 82.

It will be understood that the vehicle 30 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is merely an example, and that in other embodiments, vehicle 30 comprises any one of a skid steer loader, a tracked loader, utility tractor, or similar vehicles familiar to those skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be understood that the loader arm assembly 41 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is merely an example, and that in other embodiments, loader arm assembly 41 can include a different numbers of links, links with different lengths and shapes, and other configurations of links, suited for deployment of snow removal tool 50 based on the shape, size, and type of the self-propelled vehicle.

FIG. 4 further illustrates boom 51 and its adjustable length via the capability of second boom segment 66 to be selectively slidably movable (represented by arrow E) relative to first boom segment 60. In particular, FIG. 4 show arrows (F) extending along the length of first boom segment 60 with each arrow F representing a different location at which a fastener can be used to secure the second boom segment 66 relative to first boom segment 60. As further shown in FIG. 4, first boom segment 60 has a fixed length L2, second boom segment 66 has a fixed length L3, and the boom 51 has an overall length (L1) that is selectively variable by including a portion of each of the respective first and second boom segments 60, 66.

FIG. 5 is partial sectional view of a boom assembly 130, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, usable with loader arm assembly 41 to support a blade such as blade 52 (FIG. 1). In other words, boom assembly 130 can be used in place of boom assembly 51 (FIGS. 1-3). As shown in FIG. 5, boom assembly 130 is a generally tubular structure in which a first elongate tubular member 132 is coaxially disposed about second elongate tubular member 134. In one aspect, second elongate tubular member 134 is slidably movable relative to first elongate tubular member 132 which enables selectively varying the length of the boom assembly 130. One or more pins 137 or other fasteners are used to secure the position of the respective tubular members 132, 134 relative to each other to fix the desired length of the boom assembly 130.

It will be understood that other types of structures can be used to provide a boom having a permanently fixed length or one with a selectively adjustable length.

FIGS. 6A-6B provide diagrams 140A, 140B that schematically illustrate a boom assembly 150 including a pivoting mount mechanism 180, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, instead of the boom assembly (e.g. boom 51) that supports the blade (e.g. blade 52) being directly pivotally connected to a distal end 43 of loader arm assembly 41 (such as at mount plate 42) as in FIG. 1, a boom assembly 150 includes its own mounting mechanism 180 to which an end of the boom is pivotally mounted.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6A, boom assembly 150 includes a boom 151 and a mount mechanism 180 with the boom 151 including an end 153 defining a frame portion 154. The frame portion 154 includes an upper portion 155 and a lower portion 157 while the mount mechanism 180 includes mounting hook 182 and mounting holes 184, as well as a frame portion 190 having an upper portion 192 and lower portion 194. The frame portion 190 and mounting hook 182 are configured to releasably engage mount plate 142 of loader arm assembly 141. In FIG. 6A, the mount mechanism 180 and mount plate 142 are shown prior to their releasable engagement to each other.

As further shown in FIG. 6A, mount mechanism 180 is pivotally connected to end 153 of boom 151 via a pivotal connection 156 at the upper portions 155, 192 of the respective frame portions 154, 190. While FIG. 6A illustrates that the frame portion 154 is in releasable contact against frame portion 190 of mount mechanism 180, it will be understood that the frame portion 154 can be pivoted away from frame portion 190 or vice versa.

FIG. 6B illustrates mount mechanism 180 releasably secured onto mount plate 142 at distal end 143 of loader arm assembly 141 and with mount mechanism 180 in an open position in which frame portion 154 at end 153 of boom 151 is pivoted, via pivot connection 156, away from frame portion 190 of mount mechanism 180. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed that boom 151 remains generally stationary and that movement of mount plate 142 of loader arm assembly 141 (as represented by directional arrow M) causes frame portion 190 and mount plate 142 to pivot away from end 153 of boom 151. This movement is substantially similar to the movement and relationship of boom 51 and loader arm assembly 41 as depicted in FIG. 3.

Boom assembly 150 including mount mechanism 180 provides a quick way to connect and disconnect the boom 151 relative to loader arm assembly 141 while still providing a pivoting mechanism at the end of boom 151 that enables the loader arm assembly 141 to pull boom 151 (generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of boom 151) without exerting any significant forces through boom 151 onto a roof (e.g. roof 82 in FIGS. 1-3) from which snow is being removed.

In other embodiments, the mount plate 142 of loader arm assembly 141, the mount mechanism 180, frame portion 190, and frame portion 154 can take shapes and configurations other than that shown in FIGS. 6A-6B provided that the mount mechanism 180 and frame portion 190 enable releasable engagement to distal end 143 of loader arm assembly 141 and provided that end 153 of boom 151 is pivotally connected to mount mechanism 180 in a manner to allow pivotal movement of boom 151 relative to mount mechanism 180 (and therefore relative to distal end 143 of loader arm assembly 141).

FIG. 7 is a diagram 200 including a side view of a boom assembly 150 including a mount mechanism 202, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, mount mechanism 202 includes a frame 203 extending between a lower portion 212 and an upper portion 210 along with a hook portion 215 for releasably securing onto a mount plate (e.g. mount plate 142) of a loader arm assembly (e.g. assembly 141). In a manner substantially similar to FIGS. 6A-6B, a boom 151 includes an end frame portion 154 including an upper portion 155 and a lower portion 157. At an intermediate portion 218 of mount frame 203 (between upper portion 210 and lower portion 212), pivotal connection 156 secures the upper portion 155 of end frame portion 154 to frame 203 of mount mechanism 200.

In this arrangement, mounting frame 154 partially overlaps mount frame 203 to establish an area of releasable contact between those respective elements. Moreover, in this arrangement, the point of pivotal connection between end 153 of boom 151 and frame 203 of mount mechanism 200 is located at an upper portion of the area of releasable contact (i.e. the area of partial overlap) between the respective frame portions 154, 203.

It will be understood that in other embodiments the pivotal connection 156 is located elsewhere such as at upper portion 210 of mount frame 203 such that upper portion 210 is connected to an intermediate portion (between upper portion 155 and lower portion 157) of frame portion 154. In this arrangement, the boom 150 is still capable of freely pivoting away from mount plate 142 (at distal end 143) of loader arm assembly 141 when pulling a blade (e.g. blade 52) along roof 82 to prevent the loader arm assembly 141 from exerting undue stress on roof 82. Accordingly, in some embodiments, pivotal connection 156 is located at the upper portion of either one of the two portions making releasable contact (e.g. frame portion 154 of boom 150 and mount frame 203) but not at the upper portion of both of the two portions (e.g. frame portion 154 of boom 150 and mount frame 203) making releasable contact.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a blade 252 for removing snow, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, an end 251 of boom 250 supports a blade 252. In one embodiment, boom 250 includes a lower arm 290 and two upper arms 292. In one embodiment, the blade 252 includes an upper edge 272, a lower edge 274, and a pair of sides 276. In some embodiments, a pair of wheels or discs 284 is mounted at opposite sides 276 of blade 252 adjacent lower edge 274. The wheels 284 extend at least partially beyond the lower edge 274 so that the wheels 284 make contact with a roof and keep lower edge 274 at a spaced distance from the surface of the roof to protect the roof and/or accentuate removal of snow. In one embodiment, lower edge 274 is further defined by a bar made of a rigid metallic material. In some embodiments, the wheels 284 are replaced by slidable elements adapted to readily slide over a roof surface. In other embodiments, blade 252 omits wheels 284 and lower edge 274 is defined by an element made of semi-rigid flexible material suited for sliding on roof 284.

It will be understood that the snow removal system of the present disclosure is not limited to the blade 252 shown in FIG. 8. Rather, a wide variety of tools, such as rakes or scrapers can be attached to an end of boom assembly of the snow removal tool. Moreover, a wide variety of structures can be used to attach the blade, rake, or scraper to the end of the boom assembly of the snow removal tool.

Embodiment of the present disclosure provide a snow removal system that enables mechanized removal of snow from a roof of a building without placing undue stress on the roof.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this present disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A snow removal tool comprising: a blade; and a boom including a first end portion connected to the blade and a second end portion configured to be releasably, pivotally mounted to a loader arm of a vehicle.
 2. The snow removal tool of claim 1, comprising: a mounting plate interposed between the second end portion of the boom and the loader arm, wherein the mounting plate is releasably mounted relative to the loader arm and the second end portion of the boom is pivotally connected to the mounting plate.
 3. The snow removal tool of claim 2, wherein the mounting plate includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the second end portion of the boom is pivotally connected to the upper portion of the mounting plate.
 4. The snow removal tool of claim 3, wherein the second end portion of the boom includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the pivotal connection is located at the upper portion of the second end portion of the boom.
 5. The snow removal tool of claim 2, wherein the pivotal connection between the mounting plate and the second end portion of the boom is located at an upper portion of an area of releasable contact between the mounting plate and the second end portion of the boom.
 6. The snow removal tool of claim 1, wherein the arm has a selectively variable length.
 7. The snow removal tool of claim 1, wherein the blade includes an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and a pair of discs mounted at opposite ends of the lower edge, wherein the wheels protrude beyond the lower edge.
 8. The snow removal tool of claim 1, wherein the blade is oriented at angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate arm, wherein at least the lower edge of the blade is lower than the first end of the boom.
 9. A snow removal system including: a self-propelled loader vehicle including a first boom assembly; a snow removal tool including: a blade; and a second boom assembly including: an elongate arm having a first end and a second end connected to the blade; and a mounting element releasably mounted to the first boom assembly, wherein the mounting element is hingedly connected to the first end of the elongate arm at an upper portion of an area of releasable contact between the first end of the elongate arm and the mounting element.
 10. The snow removal system of claim 9, wherein the elongate arm is movable into at least two positions relative to the mounting element, including: a first position in which the first end of the elongate arm releasably engages the mounting element; and a second position in which the first end of the elongate arm is capable of free pivotal motion, via the hinged connection, relative to the mounting element.
 11. The snow removal system of claim 9, wherein the first boom assembly of the loader vehicle includes a first end operably coupled relative to the loader vehicle and a second end configured to releasably mount the mounting element of the second boom assembly, wherein the first boom assembly includes at least one link and a lift mechanism to cause the second end of the first boom assembly to selectively move into different orientations for movably positioning the second boom assembly relative to a roof structure.
 12. The snow removal system of claim 9, wherein the mounting element includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the hinged connection between the first end of the elongate arm and the mounting plate is located at the upper portion of the mounting plate.
 13. The snow removal system of claim 12, wherein the first end of the elongate arm includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the hinged connection is located at an upper portion of the first end of the elongate arm.
 14. The snow removal system of claim 9, wherein the second boom assembly has a selectively variable length.
 15. The snow removal system of claim 1, wherein the blade includes an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and a pair of slidable elements mounted at opposite ends of the lower edge and protruding at least partially outward beyond the lower edge.
 16. A method of removing snow from a roof comprising: supporting, via a loader arm of a self-propelled vehicle, a boom of a tool in a generally elevated position by releasable engagement of a first end of the boom against an end of the loader arm; aligning, via the loader arm, the boom generally parallel to, and spaced apart from, a roof surface to position a blade of the tool on the roof surface; and pulling the first end of the boom, via the loader arm, to pull the blade generally downward along the roof surface to move snow while simultaneously enabling the first end of boom to pivot away, via a pivotal connection, from the end of the loader arm during the pulling.
 17. The method of claim 16, comprising: arranging the boom to include an elongate arm and a mounting element, the elongate arm having a first end and a second end with the blade connected to the second end, wherein the mounting element is pivotally connected to the first end of the elongate arm; releasably mounting the mounting element on the end of the loader arm to cause the first end of the elongate arm of the boom to be pivotally movable between: a first position of releasable engagement relative to the mounting element and the end of the loader arm; and a second position in which a portion of the first end of the arm is pivotally spaced apart from the mounting element and the end of the loader arm.
 18. The method of claim 17, comprising: locating the pivotal connection between the mounting element and the first end of the elongate arm at an upper portion of the contact area of releasable engagement therebetween.
 19. The method of claim 17, comprising: locating the pivotal connection at an upper portion of the mounting element and at an upper portion of the first end of the elongate arm to define a hinged relationship between the mounting element and the first end of the elongate arm of the boom.
 20. The method of claim 16, comprising: providing the boom with a selectively variable length. 